Foothill Lupine
Lupinus albifrons
Last reviewed: August 2026
Lupinus albifrons is a drought-tolerant shrub native to California and Oregon that produces spikes of blue-purple flowers from March through June. This foothill lupine attracts bees and butterflies while requiring minimal water once established.
Foothill Lupine (Lupinus albifrons) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–48" H × 12"–48" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Foothill lupine is a striking native shrub with silvery-gray foliage and vibrant purple flower spikes that bloom in spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant evergreen grows 1-4 feet tall with an equal spread, creating an attractive mound of texture in sunny landscapes.
Growing Foothill Lupine
Grow Foothill Lupine in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Foothill Lupine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- May look less manicured than non-native ornamentals
- Seed pods can appear untidy if not pruned after flowering
Wildlife value
Host plant for Boisduval's blue, silvery blue, acmon blue.
Foothill lupine is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, serving as an important nectar source during its spring bloom period. Some butterfly species also use it as a larval host plant.
Common questions
- When does Lupinus albifrons bloom?
- Foothill lupine typically blooms from March through June, producing tall spikes of blue-purple flowers that attract pollinators.
- Where is Lupinus albifrons native?
- This lupine species is native to California and Oregon, where it grows naturally in foothill and chaparral habitats.
- What pollinators visit Lupinus albifrons?
- Foothill lupine attracts various bees and butterflies, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
- How much water does Lupinus albifrons need?
- Once established, foothill lupine is very drought tolerant and requires little to no supplemental irrigation in most climates.
- Is Foothill Lupine toxic to dogs?
- Foothill Lupine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Foothill Lupine toxic to cats?
- Foothill Lupine is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Foothill Lupine HOA-friendly?
- Foothill Lupine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Foothill Lupine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz